August 1st was the official opener for Fall Chinook on the Salmon River. Like its neighbors the season won't really pick up until September, but fish are certainly moving in. Trolling the lower portion of the river can lead to some success, but the Salmon River also offers decent bank access below the Salmon River Hatchery in few locations. Salmon River also has a hatchery component to the run, offering a wider variety of harvest! The first few weeks of August and moving into September have been slow on the Salmon River. We have had a few fish moving up into the system but not a ton of fish have been caught. There are a few fish that have reached up to the hatchery but as a reminder it is illegal to fish within 200m above or below the hatchery!

The salmon river basin is another great spot for coastal cutthroat trout fishing! It will be low and warm and so targeting the river in the early mornings will provide excellent opportunities to catch sea run cutthroat.

Check your regulations before you head out for bait or stream restrictions.